This post was written by OSSO alumna, Kailan Moore.

There are many things I wish
I’d known before I came
To help and serve these children
And love them everyday.
I’ve learned so much from being here;
I learn more and more each day.
So let me tell you a little bit
Of the knowledge that I’ve gained.
I wish I’d known beforehand
That I had no need to fear;
That even though they might not speak,
They love to have me near.
I wish I’d known beforehand
Of the smiles that I’d bring
When I sat them down to read a book
Or even just to sing.
I wish I’d known beforehand
How much soccer I would play
And how dirty I would be
When we finished up the day.
I wish I’d known beforehand
How much I’d have to walk
As I chased the kids all around
Or listened to them talk.
I wish I’d known beforehand
How crazy the casa kids can be.
Though it wouldn’t have made a difference,
For I’d love them still you see.
I wish I’d known beforehand
How much hair that I would lose
When the girls at HML
Gave me gorgeous new hair-dos.
I wish I’d known beforehand
How fast I’d learn to groove
When the kids turned on the music
And they taught me how to move.

I wish I’d known beforehand
Just how much I’d giggle
When I tickled someone close to me
And watched them start to wiggle.
I wish I’d known beforehand
Of the adventures that we’d have
When our imaginations took us
To a very far off land
I wish I’d known beforehand
How much a hug could mean
When coming from a little one
Who means the world to me.
I wish I’d known beforehand
When it was time to say goodbye
That I wouldn’t want to leave
And I couldn’t help but cry.
To see them smile or see them laugh
Means everything to me
For they have taught and showed me
Just who I need to be.
I’m so grateful for this time
I’ve had to change their lives
And watch with amazement
As they became a part of mine.
Though I would love to tell you
Everything I’ve gained,
I think it’d be more worthwhile
If you grabbed your bag and came.
Reading all about these kids
Might make you feel alright,
But I swear that nothing beats
When you see their precious lights.
So come on down to OSSO
Give a little of your time.
These kids will change your life forever
For they have completely changed mine.